In: Root » Health » Nutrition
Around four percent of all women in the United States use an illicit drug while they are pregnant. They are not only putting themselves at risk but are increasing the risks that their unborn child will have severe birth defects. Pregnancy is a time when mothers protect and nurture the children who are in their womb. However, not all mothers-to-be are able to provide their unborn child with a safe place to grow and prepare for birth. Recent studies suggest that as many as four percent of all pregnant women in the United States use illicit drugs and need addiction treatment while pregnant. The most commonly abused drug during pregnancy is marijuana. Children whose mothers smoked pot can have problems later on in life in concentrating, having symptoms similar to ADHD. Mothers who struggle with meth and other amphetamines should consider drug rehabilitation. Not only are they putting their own health at risk, but they are risking the health and lives of their unborn children as well. Studies have shown that children whose mothers used meth or other amphetamines were more likely to be born underweight or premature. In some instances, children experienced the same withdrawal symptoms upon birth that an adult would go through during detoxification at drug rehabs. A mother who abuses drugs after pregnancy can put their child in danger as well. Many drugs such as opiates can taint breast milk, meaning that a child who is breast feeding can receive a dose of illicit substances through the very milk that is supposed to give them strength. This is why most rehab centers won't provide methadone or other drugs to women who are undergoing detoxification from serious drugs. In addition, a mother drinking with an alcohol problem during pregnancy can do serious damage to her unborn child and should consider alcohol rehabilitation. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is one of the most common causes of mental retardation, affecting up to 6,000 newborn babies each year. Along with the potential for mental retardation, children born with FAS are at risk for psychological and behavioral problems and criminal behavior when they get older. If you are pregnant and using drugs, it's important to get yourself in a drug addiction center. You not only owe it to yourself but you owe it to your unborn son or daughter. - Annabeth Morrison is a freelance writer living in Port Royal, Pennsylvania. She has written for major magazines, newspapers and online news sites.
|
|||||||||||||
Disclaimer
1) E-articles is not responsible for the information contained by this article as well for any and all copyright infringements by authors and writers. E-articles is a free information resource. If you suspect this article for any copyright infringement, please read the terms of service and contact us or use the "Report this article" button on this page to investigate the problem.
2) E-articles is not responsible for inaccuracies, falsehoods, or any other types of misinformation this article may contain and will not be liable for any loss or damage suffered by a user through the user's reliance on the information gained here. |
|||||||||||||
